Staff FPGA Engineer

Job Title

Staff FPGA Engineer

Role Summary

Senior engineer responsible for leading digital hardware and FPGA design, verification, and integration for sustainment and modernization programs. Works on-site with cross-functional hardware, software, and systems teams to deliver integrated solutions for defense and aviation systems.

Experience Level

Senior. Basic Qualifications tie required years of experience to degree level: Bachelor's +12 years, Master's +10 years, PhD +8 years.

Responsibilities

Primary technical and leadership responsibilities include:

• Lead design and development of digital circuits and systems (FPGAs, CPLDs, ASICs).
• Define and update digital system requirements; select components based on specifications and reliability.
• Develop and run modeling and simulation frameworks and test benches to validate designs before hardware availability.
• Integrate and troubleshoot firmware with software and hardware; validate system-level performance.
• Implement testing and validation processes to ensure designs meet specifications.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers.
• Support sustainment and modernization activities for aviation/defense programs; travel up to ~10%.

Requirements

Must-have and preferred technical experience and competencies.

• Must-have: Proven experience leading FPGA evaluation, selection, programming, and testing for complex systems.
• Must-have: Subject-matter expertise in advanced digital design and FPGA-based architectures.
• Must-have: Experience developing simulation frameworks and test benches.
• Must-have: Experience integrating and troubleshooting firmware with software and hardware.
• Must-have: Experience with Xilinx product line and development tools.
• Must-have: Experience on aviation and/or Department of Defense programs and the ability to obtain/maintain a U.S. DoD Secret clearance.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with MATLAB or equivalent analysis languages.
• Nice-to-have: Background in digital signal processing, digital beamforming, adaptive processing, or tracking algorithms.
• Other: Position is on-site daily in Warner Robins, GA; relocation assistance may be available.

Education Requirements

Degree requirements specified in Basic Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (ABET-accredited) with a minimum of 12 years directly relevant experience; Master’s degree with 10 years; PhD with 8 years. ABET accreditation is referenced. (No explicit "or equivalent experience" language provided.)

About the Company

Company: Northrop Grumman

Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia, United States

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company that provides innovative solutions in mission systems, electronics, and software. With a legacy of significant advancements in technology, we empower employees to tackle complex challenges and create revolutionary systems that enhance global security. Our diverse teams focus on engineering innovation and product development, delivering solutions that support military and civilian customers worldwide.